THE TBM NEWSLETTER
QUESTION SPOTLIGHT
Tammy’s Question: I overspent (by a lot) during the holidays and now I’m stressed about it. What’s the first thing I should do?
The first thing you should do is slow yourself down and get grounded in reality, not rush into fixing everything.
When people overspend during the holidays, the stress you’re feeling usually isn’t just about the money. It’s about the fear of what the numbers might say, the guilt that creeps in once the celebrations are over, and the pressure to clean everything up quickly so it doesn’t follow you into the new year. That combination is what makes people freeze or avoid their finances altogether.
Right now, your most important job is not to create a new budget or map out the entire year. It’s to replace uncertainty with clarity. That means sitting down and actually looking at where you are today—your account balances, your credit cards, and what bills are coming up in the next few weeks. This isn’t about judging yourself or replaying decisions you can’t change. It’s about giving your nervous system something solid to work with instead of worst-case scenarios.
Once you see the full picture, the stress often softens. Not because the numbers magically disappear, but because now you’re in a position of awareness instead of fear. From there, focus only on what needs to happen in January. Not how fast you’ll pay everything off. Not how this affects next Christmas. Just this month. Ask yourself what your money needs to do right now to keep you stable and supported.
Then, make one intentional adjustment that helps you regain control. That might mean temporarily tightening spending, shifting a category, or creating a simple plan to chip away at what’s left. Small, steady actions matter far more than dramatic overhauls when you’re already feeling overwhelmed.
Getting back on track financially doesn’t start with willpower. It starts with compassion, honesty, and a willingness to face the numbers without running from them.
What to Do Right Now
Look at everything, once. Open your checking, savings, and credit card accounts and write down the balances. Don’t analyze yet. Just get it out of your head and onto paper.
List January’s non negotiables. Rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, groceries, minimum debt payments. This shows you what actually needs your money next.
Check your available cash. What’s coming in during January and what’s already spoken for. This is about understanding your breathing room, not finding perfection.
Choose one stabilizing move. That might be pausing extra spending, adjusting a category, or setting a small but realistic plan for your holiday balance.
Give yourself permission to take it month by month. You don’t have to solve this forever. You just need to support yourself right now.
Getting back on track financially doesn’t start with willpower. It starts with compassion, honesty, and a willingness to face the numbers without running from them.
From Kumiko
THE QUIET AFTER CHRISTMAS
A lot of people talk about the joy of the holidays. Not enough people talk about what happens after.
The days after Christmas can feel strangely heavy. The house gets quieter. The routines pause. And for anyone carrying grief, the contrast can be sharp. The world moves on, but the absence doesn’t.
For me, this season holds two emotions at the same time. Gratitude for the memories we’re making now, and a constant awareness of who isn’t here anymore to share them. When things slow down, that awareness gets louder.
The quiet is when I feel my mom the most. Not in big moments. In the small ones she used to be part of without anyone noticing. The conversations she should still be here for. The way she used to exist in the background of my life, making everything feel steadier just by being there.
Grief doesn’t follow a calendar. It doesn’t care that Christmas is “over.” It often waits until the noise fades. Until the distractions are gone. Until there’s space to feel what’s been held in.
If this week feels heavier than you expected, that makes sense. Loss doesn’t disappear just because the holidays are over.
Happening at TBM
NEW THIS MONTH
RECOVERING FINANCIALLY AFTER THE HOLIDAYS
When the holidays end, many people are left with tighter finances and lingering stress. Recovering financially isn’t about shame or extreme rules. It’s about steady, realistic adjustments that support real life.
DEBT & SAVINGS TRACKERS: MONEY MOTIVATION & HOT TO USE
In this video, I break down how financial trackers helped me stay motivated throughout my debt payoff journey. Whether you’re saving or paying off debt, visually tracking your progress can make a huge difference!
Product Spotlight
A FUN WAY TO SAVE IN THE NEW YEAR
This interactive workbook is designed to make saving money not just a necessity but FUN! Perfect for anyone looking to improve their financial habits, whether you’re fresh out of college, a busy parent, or simply seeking to optimize your savings.
2 Versions (Physical, shipped to your door version OR a PDF version, which is emailed to you after purchasing via PDF)
Comes with all materials needed for 12 months of Savings Challenges, including instructions, cash envelope templates, and visual trackers
BONUS! 5 Visual Trackers to track your savings or debt goal progress
Hand-illustrated artwork
Oldies But Goodies
DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE
This month, we are prepping for a brand new year, and new year goals. A few gems to check out:
New Year, New Budget: A 9-Step Guide You Need Today
Revitalize your finances in the New Year with our 9-step guide. Discover practical strategies for budgeting, saving, and debt management to achieve your financial goals.
12 Ways to Prepare Your Financial for the New Year
From auditing your budget to automating your savings and reviewing your debt repayment strategy, taking proactive steps now can pave the way for a more financially secure year ahead.
Goals VS. Resolutions: Hot to Achieve Both in the New Year.
Wondering how to achieve your financial goals and resolutions in 2026? Learn the difference between goals and resolutions and how to achieve both in the New Year! I hope this article helps!
Monthly Freebie
NEW YEAR BUDGET WORKSHEETS
If you’re spending New Year’s Eve at home or keeping things low key this year, I put together a free New Year’s Eve Food and Budget Planner to help you plan without overspending or stressing at the last minute. It’s a simple way to enjoy the night while staying grounded financially.
Until next time,
